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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 18, 2018 10:26 EST1. RECENT UPDATESEditorial change.2. ADVISORIESRUSSIA - Exercise a high degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution in Russia due to crime and the threat form terrorism.Regional advisory - Avoid all travelAvoid all travel to the following areas:republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetiarepublics of Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region), Karachai-Cherkessia and North OssetiaBudyonnosky, Kurski, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky and Stepnovsky districts, in Stavropol' Krai (region)districts of the Rostov Oblast that border UkraineIf you are currently in one of these areas, you should leave. The ability of the embassy in Moscow to provide assistance is severely limited or non-existent.Safety and security situation3. SECURITYRostov Oblast (see Advisory)The Russian government has declared a state of emergency and maintains a significant military presence in Rostov Oblast. The situation along the Ukrainian border is unpredictable and could change quickly. Exercise extreme vigilance if you must travel to this region, as armed clashes and violence pose serious threats to your safety. If you are currently in this area, you should strongly consider leaving. The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow to provide consular assistance in this district is extremely limited.Republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, and Stavropol Krai (see Advisory)Terrorist attacks are frequent in the Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia republics and Stavropol region. The security situation is unstable and dangerous. Suicide bombings occur on a regular basis and targeted assassinations have also taken place. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.You must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior to enter certain areas and regions.Republics of Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region), Karachai-Cherkessia and NorthOssetia (see Advisory)Tensions are high in Russia's border regions with Georgia and may affect the security situation in Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia republics. Military operations are carried out with little or no notice, and are accompanied by travel restrictions. The border crossings to Georgia and Azerbaijan are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism. Incidents resulting in death and injury have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus region, in Moscow and in St. Petersburg, but may happen throughout the country. Threats of terrorist attacks in Russia by extremist groups have increased since September 2015, when Russia's armed forces began military operations in Syria. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places.Russian authorities have increased general security measures in Moscow and other large cities.CrimeCrime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and assaults are prevalent, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel (see Advisories) are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and local aid personnel have been killed or kidnapped. Criminals have targeted and destroyed well-marked aid convoys. Exercise extreme caution in crowds and open markets.Pickpocketing and robberies occur frequently and are often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Criminals use various techniques to distract the victims, including by distracting their victims with requests for help. In such situations, walk away quickly. Preferred targets for criminals include:underground walkwayspublic transportation and transportation hubstourist sitesrestaurants and marketshotel rooms and residences (even when occupied and locked)Reduce your risk of being targeted by travelling in groups with reputable tour agencies.Criminals may also pose as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Real police officers wear a visible personal identification number on their uniforms. Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas to commit robbery.Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Replacing travel documents and visas is difficult, and could considerably delay your return to Canada.Tensions on the Korean PeninsulaTensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive latest updates.Spiked food and drinkThere have been cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.FraudThere have been cases of foreigners developing friendships or romantic relationships over the Internet and becoming entangled in financial issues in Russia. Remain vigilant and be aware that Global Affairs Canada cannot help you recover lost funds or property in such cases.Only exchange money at major banks. Foreigners have been scammed in the past when exchanging money on the street.Traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by othersuse ABMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or businessavoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual featurecover the keypad with one hand when entering your PINcheck for any unauthorized transactions on your account statementsSee Overseas Fraud for more information on scams abroad.Organized crimeOrganized criminal groups are active throughout Russia, particularly in large cities. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals demand protection money from their victims under threat of serious violence. Report extortion attempts to Russian authorities.DemonstrationsRallies, protests and demonstrations occur in Russia and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions in traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.LGBTQ2 travellersDiscrimination against LGBTQ2 individuals is common. LGBTQ2 travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence, particularly outside of Moscow.Learn about laws affecting LGBTQ2 travellers in Russia.Road safetyRoad conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities. Drivers commonly ignore traffic regulations and often drive and park on pedestrian areas.Road accidents are common. Pedestrians should be particularly careful. In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, even if the car is obstructing traffic.Drive only during the day.In winter, road travel can be hazardous due to ice and snow.Public transportationWhen travelling by train, store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.Most major cities have reliable public transportation including buses, subways or streetcars.Use only registered taxis and do not share a taxi with strangers. Book taxis in advance either by phone or through taxi company apps. You should avoid flagging down taxis on the street, but if you do, negotiate the price before getting into the taxi. Foreigners have been victims of assault and robbery when using unregistered taxis.Marine transportationBoat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Safety standards differ from those in Canada. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesGeneral safety informationPower outages and shortages occur often throughout Russia.Authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and e-mail messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Russian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Russia.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasCanadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Russia. Visa applications must be submitted electronically, via the Embassy of the Russian Federation's website.Tourist visa: Required (for those staying in commercial accommodations); exceptions applyGuest visa: Required (for those staying in private accommodations)Business visa: Required Student visa: Required Transit visa: Required (including for Belarus); exceptions applyExit visa: RequiredTourist visaYou need a tourist visa if you are staying at a hotel or other commercial establishment. Ensure that the hotel registers your visa when you check-in.It is best if you book your travel through a travel agency, which will submit a tourist visa application on your behalf. Canadian travel agents work with Russian travel agencies or companies, which act as sponsors for tourist visas.In cases of expired tourist visas or lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorized to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. Extensions are not issued. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines or detention upon departure.You need a guest visa if you intend to stay in private accommodations. The host must obtain an official invitation (priglashenie) from the local UFMS (Russian visa and passport office) and send it to you (the guest) in Canada. You must then take the invitation, the visa application and your passport to a Russian embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.Business visaTo get a business visa, you need to be sponsored by a Russian individual or organization (host). It may take up to three months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent change (replacement or extension) to the original visa must be made by the sponsor. A business visa is not a work permit.Exit visaYou must have a valid visa to be allowed to leave Russia. If your visa expires, your sponsor must apply for an exit visa on your behalf. To avoid problems, including deportation, make sure your visa is valid beyond your intended departure date.Visa exceptionsInternational cruise passengers may enter Russia at specific port cities without a visa for up to 72 hours. Passengers must be accompanied by the cruise ship tour guide, who must have all the authorizations required by the Russian authorities. Contact your cruise company to find out if you need to apply for a Russian visa before your cruise starts.Some Russian international airports have transit areas that allow for visa-free travel through Russia. If you plan to transit through Russia, check with your transportation carrier to see if transit visa exceptions apply to you.Migration cardYou must complete a migration card upon your arrival in Russia. These cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry, but sometimes they are not available, even at major international airports. Even so, you are responsible to find a migration card and fill it out. You must keep and carry part B of the migration card throughout your stay. The card is required for hotel registration.If the police request to see your migration card, you must comply. You must present it, your passport and registered visa. You must also present the card to border officials upon departure.If you hold a multiple-entry visa, you must fill out a new migration card every time you enter Russia.Loss of this card can result in fines, serious delays or imprisonment at the time of departure.RegistrationYou must register with Russian authorities within 7 working days of your arrival. Your host, hotel or your employer can perform this registration. Failure to register will result in a fine, and you could experience problems when trying to leave or re-enter Russia in the future. If you are vising multiple destinations within Russia, you must register your arrival at each destination.Customs declaration formUpon arrival in Russia, you must fill out a customs declaration form, then go through the red customs line and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables-including items that could be considered antique-may be confiscated upon departure.You must declare amounts of currency exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings. You may also have to provide information on the origin of the money and its intended use. Currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if you have not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure.Upon departure, you must fill out a second customs declaration form and present the two forms to a customs official. You must declare any amount greater than RUB3,000. If you fail to declare, in writing, the amount of currency in your possession, the undeclared currency and valuables may be confiscated and you may be detained and face criminal charges leading to imprisonment.Special permits and restricted areasTravel to and residency in several Russian cities and regions is restricted. You must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering a restricted city or region. Failure to do so may result in arrest, fines and/or deportation. Attach an itinerary to your visa application to avoid delays. Some areas must be specifically indicated in the visa; you may have to pay an extra fee to include them.Dual citizenshipIf you also have Russian citizenship, you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport. If your Russian passport expires prior to travel, Russian authorities in Canada can extend it for entry purposes only. If the passport expires during your stay in Russia, you must obtain a new one before leaving. Renewing a Russian passport may take several months.If you are entering Russia with a repatriation certificate issued by Russian authorities in Canada or elsewhere, you may not be allowed to leave on a Canadian passport. This certificate is only valid for one-way travel into Russia.Learn more about laws affecting dual citizens. Land border with BelarusOnly local residents are allowed to travel by land from Russia to Belarus. The restriction applies to cars, tour buses and trains.Health entry requirementsIf you are planning to remain in Russia for more than three months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for HIV infection. The certificate must be valid for three months from the date of testing and include:passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number and country of residence)HIV test information (date of test, test results and signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined)the length of your intended stay in RussiaOther tests (such as for tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than three months.Learn about laws on travelling with medication.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).Children and travelLearn about travel with children.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesStandards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. A few quality facilities exist in larger cities and usually require cash payment upon admission. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.IdentificationAuthorities frequently perform random identity checks in public places.You may be fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities. Carry your original passport (photocopies are not acceptable), entry/exit visa and registered migration card at all times. Failure to provide identification documents could result in heavy fines or a jail sentence.Only the special police of the Federal Migration Bureau have the authority to arrest, detain and impose fines on improperly documented foreigners. If you are stopped in the street and requested to pay a fine, ask to see the officer's name and identification and to contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is not legally recognized in Russia.If local authorities consider you a citizen of Russia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipIf you are also a Russian citizen and reside in Russia or hold permanent residency status in another country, you must declare this citizenship or residency status to your local migration office. See the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (in Russian only) for more details on this requirement and consequences of non-compliance.If local authorities consider you a Russian citizen, you may be subject to certain legal obligations, including military service. Seek advice from the nearest Russian embassy or consulate before travelling to Russia.DrivingAn International Driving Permit is recommended. You may drive with a Canadian driver's licence if you carry it and a Russian translation. You must obtain a local permit if staying longer than 6 months.The legal blood alcohol content limit is significantly lower than in Canada. Those found guilty of drinking and driving can expect heavy fines, suspension of their driving permit and immediate detention. Repeat offenders may face prison sentences.The traffic police can impose fines on drivers for traffic violations. They can conduct identity checks on pedestrians, but they are not authorized to impose fines. The same is true of police in the underground metro systems.Illegal or restricted activitiesPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Religious activity is heavily regulated in Russia. If you plan to engage in religious activity, such as missionary work, make sure you are not inadvertently violating local laws.LGBTQ2 travellersAlthough the laws of Russia do not prohibit homosexual activity, Russian federal law prohibits public actions that are described as promoting homosexuality and “non-traditional sexual relations.” Public actions that contravene or appear to contravene this law may lead to arrest, a fine and deportation. Examples of such actions include dissemination of information (for example, through public statements) and public displays of affection.Same sex marriage is not recognized in Russia.See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.MedicationRussia has very strict rules on the importation of medication. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited, and large quantities of any medicine will be scrutinized.If you are travelling with medication, even over-the-counter medication, you must have a doctor's note translated to Russian confirming that you need the medication. Contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation for up-to-date information.Imports and exportsThe importation and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS devices, such as those used for geological mapping.You must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Culture to export items that appear old (prior to 1945) or that have cultural value. Customs officials may conduct thorough baggage searches and may arrest you if you do not have the necessary certificate.Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate, or consult the Federal Customs Service prior to departure for up-to-date information on customs requirements.MoneyThe currency is the Russian ruble (RUB).It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars at any exchange counter. Carry new, crisp bills; well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. Traveller's cheques can be cashed only at a few locations in Moscow. Automated banking machines are common in main cities. ABMs will accept cards with 4-digit pin numbers, but you may experience problems with cards with 5- or 6-digit pin codes. In major cities, you can usually exchange Euros and U.S. dollars at various banks. Canadian dollars are normally not accepted.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEParts of Russia, such as Chechnya, the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands, are prone to seismic or volcanic activity.Spring flooding and summer forest fires occur throughout Siberia and parts of western Russia.In the summer months, there is a risk of forest fires that could affect the Moscow region. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments. In case of forest fires, stay away from affected areas, follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel and monitor local media sources for up-to-date information.

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